Crystal Cruises Cancels All Sailings Through the End of 2020

Crystal Cruises is cancelling all of its ocean and yacht voyages through 2020 as a results of the “constantly changing variables related to COVID-19.”

“The uncertainty surrounding this global health crisis hinders the ability for all cruise lines to operate, and it is with deep regret that we have had to cancel all Ocean voyages (aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity) and Yacht voyages (aboard Crystal Esprit) through the remainder of 2020,” Crystal wrote in a update on its website.

The suspension is farther out than the CDC’s ban, which goes through at least September, and some of the bans from other cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd, which has suspended through October.

In the meantime, Crystal says it is developing a health and safety plan “that will support all public health and regulatory requirements and ensure out guests’ vacations continue to be not only relaxing and pleasurable but safe and healthy.”

Crystal most recently launched Crystal Clean+ 2.0, a set of new protocols that covers its entire cruise experience from pre-boarding and embarkation to disembarkation. It includes contactless dining, fresh-air ventilation systems, regular health monitoring, a new mask policy, and more.

Crystal said in its statement that each protocol from Crystal Clean+ 2.0 will be “continually evaluated as new information becomes available.”

Crystal is giving all of its impacted guests a FCC equal to 125% of the cruise fare paid on fully-paid reservations and 125% of the deposited amount on those not fully paid. That credit can be used on all Crystal voyages through 2023. It is also refunding port charges, taxes, and any air and hotel packages.

“We encourage our guests to contact their travel advisor to assist them in selecting their future Crystal cruise,” Crystal wrote. “We thank our guests, and our partners, for their continued understanding during this very challenging time. We, the Crystal team, remain at their service.”